
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 (NASB)
Preparation is necessary in all aspects of our life, work or household, pleasure or in health. Thus it is no surprise that in spiritual matters preparation is also required. Prayer and Bible study are essential to our daily survival in the world we live in. Our walk with God is not only a short term strategy, but also a long term preparation for our future with God either through the Rapture or in death (Colossians 3:4).
In our verse today the preparation is metaphorical of action; girding up relating to securing any loose clothing in such a way to make movement unhindered (Ephesians 6:14). But how do you gird up your mind? I would suggest that as Christians we need to use our mind efficiently, and not clutter it with pointless stuff. This brings us neatly to the command to “keep sober in spirit.” Being sober minded is a life saving strategy in our wicked world with many traps for the unwary ( 1 Peter 5:8). The practice of spiritual sobriety has three elements; Abstinence, Alertness and, Calmness.
Abstinence takes us back to the question of what we feed our mind with, what kind of media we consume and how much we consume? If we feed our mind junk or worse wickedness that is exactly what we produce in turn. We need to be alert to temptations and traps that Satan lays before us in life, that we can turn away from them. Calmness relates to a serenity of spirit, confidence in the provision of protection by God. These three cords entwine making our spiritual sobriety in Almighty God secure each day.
Dear reader, in confidence of your preparations “fix your hope completely” on your future hope; looking for and expecting your reward in Jesus Christ someday. By the Grace of Almighty God if you know and love His Son, you will see Him face to face at the end of days. Be sure to be prepared for it!
Very practical advice and useful reminder on a daily basis. Thank you, Alan! Bless you!
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You are welcome G.W. God bless you and your ministry.
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Reblogged this on His eye is on the sparrow and commented:
Good things brother Alan posted to be affixed to our doorposts, that we may be reminded when coming in and going out.
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Wow! Thank you brother for your encouragement.
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Wonderful Post. Beautiful picture. A-men and Thank you. Reblogged on my Site hoping many will view and check out your writing and be blessed.
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May God bless you richly Faye for your kindness towards my writing.
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Reblogged this on PASSIONATE CREATIVE CHRISTIAN and commented:
A blessing shared. from Alan in Scotland.
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Often I’ll read a scripture and think, “How exactly does that look in action?” Thank you Alan for providing an action plan for living out 1 Peter 1:13.
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Thank you Beth. I will be honest and tell you it came from the Literal Word NASB Bible and Bible Hub apps. I study the individual words which always returns good fruit. I am glad it helps and honoured to be used in His hands.
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Thank you Alan for sharing the fruit of your study. Years ago, I purchased a Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible. It was one of the best additions I made to my Bible study tools. Knowing the meaning of a word in Hebrew or Greek has time and again given me a deeper understanding of a verse I am chewing on.
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The old saying Beth is “that I am just a thirsty beggar showing another thirsty beggar where to find water!”
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I will never forget when I read in the NLT Life App Study Bible a note about Matt 2 that says, โdiving guidance comes only to prepared hearts.โ Now more than ever believers need to be prepared. Thank You Alan for this post!!! Lots of love and blessings to you and your wife!
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Thank you so much Mandy for your valuable input. I pray for you and your family often, as well as your studies in His Word. May our Father God continue to guide you by His Light and give you peace each day.
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Abstinence, alertness, and calmness. Thank you for that reminder!
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You are welcome brother๐
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Your post reminds me of 1 Peter 5:8 – we are to be balanced (as you indicated) and cautious at all times for the devil seeks to take advantage of us when our guard is down.
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Thank you Conrad, spot on brother, that text is quoted in the post if I remember right
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Ha! You are correct ๐
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No problem brother ๐๐
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Amen, Brother Alan. You are dividing the Truth accurately and giving the right message for the day in which we live.
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Thank you for reading and commenting so generously Mary. God bless you and your ministry.
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Great reminders.
Have a wonderfully blessed and safe Thanksgiving! ๐ฆ๐
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Love how you list the three elements of spiritual sobriety
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